Legal requirements for establishing or operating a poultry farm

In Queensland, poultry farming is an environmentally relevant activity (ERA) under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (Qld). To operate a poultry farming ERA you must hold an environmental authority (EA) issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

Under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, poultry farming is defined as farming 1000 or more birds to produce:

• eggs, fertile eggs or rearing hatchlings
• starter pullets
• layers
• birds for meat.

This includes farming chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl and turkeys.

If you want to establish a poultry farm, currently operate one, or are looking to expand, you will need:

• a development permit issued under the Planning Act 2016
• an environmental authority (EA) issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.